Carton and carton blank

ABSTRACT

A carton ( 90 ) for packaging articles includes a first plurality of walls ( 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 ) including a top wall ( 20 ), base wall ( 16 ), first side wall ( 14 ) and second side wall ( 18 ) forming a first tubular structure. Each end of the first tubular structure is at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels ( 32   a,    34   a,    36   a,    38   a,    32   b,    34   b,    36   b,    38   b ). The carton includes an end pull device (E) for withdrawing the carton from a display apparatus. The end pull device has a first recess struck from an edge of the one or more end closure panels so as to facilitate access to the one or more end closure panels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton for packaging one or morearticles and a carton blank for forming the same more specifically, butnot exclusively, to a carton having an end pull device for facilitatingwithdrawal of a carton from a shelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers witha package comprising multiple primary product containers. Suchmulti-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for displayof promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations,such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material aspossible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which theyare formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of thepackaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weightsof articles.

It is desirable to provide multi-packs with features such as, but notlimited to, end pull devices such that when multiple packages aredisposed in a stacked configuration in close proximity upon a shelf orother display means a consumer can readily slide one of the packagesfrom the stack.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate theproblems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided acarton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of wallsincluding a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wallforming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubularstructure being at least partially closed by one or more end closurepanels, wherein the carton comprises an end pull device for withdrawingthe carton from a display apparatus wherein the end pull devicecomprises a first recess struck from a side edge of a first end closurepanel thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closurepanel.

Optionally, the end pull device comprises a second recess struck from aside edge of a second end closure panel.

Optionally, the second end closure panel is disposed in at least partialoverlapping relationship with the first end closure panel.

In some embodiments, the first recess is disposed in at least partialoverlapping relationship with the second recess so as to be in registrytherewith.

Optionally, one of the first or second side wall panels comprises a freeend edge which is connected to no other part of the carton. The firstrecess may be located adjacent to the free end edge such that the freeend edge is exposed to view through the first recess.

In some embodiments, the carton comprises a second plurality of wallsincluding a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wallforming a second tubular structure, each end of the second tubularstructure being at least partially closed by one or more end closurepanels, wherein the carton comprises a second end pull device forwithdrawing the carton from a display apparatus wherein the second endpull device comprises a second recess struck from a side edge of a firstend closure panel of the second tubular structure thereby facilitatingaccess to an edge of a first end closure panel of the second tubularstructure.

Optionally, the top wall of the second tubular structure is coupled tothe top wall of the first tubular structure by a frangible connection,wherein the first tubular structure forms part of a first package andthe second tubular structure forms part of a second package, and whereinthe first package is detachable from the second package.

The first end pull device may be disposed at a first end of the cartonand the second end pull device may be disposed at second end of thecarton, the second end opposing the first end.

Optionally, the second side wall panel of the first package and thesecond side wall panel of the second package are disposed in facecontacting relationship with each other and form an internal dividerstructure between two adjacent rows of articles.

Preferably, the second side wall panel of the first package and thesecond side wall panel of the second package are secured to each otherby glue or other adhesive treatment.

In some embodiments, the glue is disposed upon the second side wallpanel of the first package and/or upon the second side wall panel of thesecond package adjacent to the bottom wall of the carton formed by thebase walls of the first and second packages.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda carton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of wallsincluding a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wallforming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubularstructure being at least partially closed by one or more end closurepanels to form a first package, wherein the carton comprises a first endpull device for withdrawing the first package from a display apparatuswherein the first end pull device comprises a first recess struck from aside edge of a first end closure panel of the first tubular structurethereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel ofthe first tubular structure, the carton comprising a second plurality ofwalls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second sidewall forming a second tubular structure, each end of the second tubularstructure being at least partially closed by one or more end closurepanels to form a second package, wherein the carton comprises a secondend pull device for withdrawing the second package from a displayapparatus and wherein the second end pull device comprises a secondrecess struck from a side edge of a first end closure panel of thesecond tubular structure thereby facilitating access to an edge of afirst end closure panel of the second tubular structure and wherein thefirst package is frangibly connected to the second package.

Optionally, the end pull device comprises a third recess struck from aside edge of a second end closure panel of the first tubular structure.

Optionally, the second end closure panel of the first tubular structureis disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the firstend closure panel of the first tubular structure.

Optionally, the third recess is disposed in at least partial overlappingrelationship with the first recess so as to be in registry therewith.

In some embodiments, the end pull device comprises a fourth recessstruck from a side edge of a second end closure panel of the secondtubular structure.

Optionally, the second end closure panel of the second tubular structureis disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the firstend closure panel of the second tubular structure.

Optionally, the fourth recess is disposed in at least partialoverlapping relationship with the second recess so as to be in registrytherewith.

The first end pull device may be disposed at a first end of the cartonand the second end pull device may be disposed at second end of thecarton, the second end opposing the first end.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided ablank for forming a carton comprising a first plurality of panels forforming a first tubular structure including a top wall, base wall, firstside wall and second side wall in a set-up condition, the blankcomprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closingeach end of the first tubular structure, wherein the blank comprises anend pull device for withdrawing a set-up carton from a display apparatuswherein the end pull device comprises a first recess struck from an endof the first side wall panel for facilitating access to an edge of afirst end closure panel.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda blank for forming a carton comprising a first plurality of panels forforming a first tubular structure including a top wall, base wall, firstside wall and second side wall in a set-up condition, the blankcomprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closingeach end of the first tubular structure to form a first package, whereinthe blank comprises a first end pull device for withdrawing the firstpackage when in a set-up condition from a display apparatus wherein thefirst end pull device comprises a first recess struck from a side edgeof a first end closure panel of the first tubular structure forfacilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel of the firsttubular structure, the blank comprising a second plurality of panels forforming a second tubular structure including a top wall, base wall,first side wall and second side wall in a set-up condition, the blankcomprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closingeach end of the second tubular structure to form a second package,wherein the blank comprises a second end pull device for withdrawing thesecond package when in a set-up condition from the display apparatus andwherein the second end pull device comprises a second recess struck froma side edge of a first end closure panel of the second tubular structurethereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel ofthe second tubular structure, and wherein the first plurality of panelsare frangibly connected to the second plurality of panels.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be taken independently or in anycombination thereof. For example, features described in connection withone embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there isincompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from theblank of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views from above of an end portion of thecarton of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a pair of packages formedfrom the carton of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of the end portions of the pairof packages of FIG. 4 illustrating a user withdrawing one package withrespect to the other package; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from thecarton of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andcartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, theword “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serveas illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may beembodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable offorming a carton 90, shown in FIG. 2, for packaging one or more primaryproduct containers such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans,hereinafter referred to as articles.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container for engaging, carrying, and/ordispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated thatthe teachings of the invention can be applied to various productcontainers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass orplastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches,packets and the like.

The blank is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to beunderstood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includesall manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugatedboard, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It shouldbe recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, wheresuitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described inmore detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blank is configured to form a carton orcarrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. Ina first illustrated exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×6matrix and the articles are cans. The blank can be alternativelyconfigured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and sizeof article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement orconfiguration.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels for forming a carton 90.The carton 90 is divisible into two separate cartons or packages. Afirst set of panels P1 of the blank 10 forms a first carton or firstpackage and a second set of panels P2 of the blank 10 forms a secondcarton or second package.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18,20 for forming a first package. The first package comprises: a first orinner top wall 12, a first side wall 14, a bottom wall 16, a second sidewall 18 and a second or outer top wall 20 in a set-up condition. Theinner top wall panel 12 is hinged to the first side wall panel 14 by afold line 11. The first side wall panel 14 is hinged to the bottom wallpanel 16 by a fold line 13. The bottom wall panel 16 is hinged to thesecond side wall panel 18 by a fold line 15. The outer top wall panel 20is hinged to the second side wall panel 18 along a fold line 17.

The blank 10 also comprises a plurality of main wall panels 22, 24, 26,28, 30 for forming a second package. The second package comprises: afirst or inner top wall 30, a first side wall 28, a bottom wall 26, asecond side wall 24 and a second or outer top wall 22 in a set-upcondition. The outer top wall panel 22 is hinged to the second side wallpanel 24 by a fold line 21. The second side wall panel 24 is hinged tothe bottom wall panel 26 by a fold line 23. The bottom wall panel 26 ishinged to the first side wall panel 28 by a fold line 25. The inner topwall panel 30 is hinged to the first side wall panel 28 along a foldline 27.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the first packageform a tubular structure in a set-up condition. Each of the ends of thetubular structure of the first package are at least partially closed byend closure panels 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, 32 b, 34 b, 36 b, 38 b. Endclosure panels 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a are configured to close a firstend of the tubular structure and end panels 32 b, 34 b, 36 b, 38 b areconfigured to close a second end of the tubular structure. A first endclosure panel 32 a is hinged to a first end of inner top wall panel 12by a pair of arcuate fold lines 31 a. A second end closure panel 34 a ishinged to a first end of bottom panel 16 by a fold line 33 a. A thirdend closure panel 36 a is hinged to a first end of second side wallpanel 18 by a fold line 35 a. A fourth end closure panel 38 a is hingedto a first end of the outer top wall panel 20 by a fold line 37 a.

A fifth end closure panel 32 b is hinged to a second end of inner topwall panel 12 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 31 b. A sixth end closurepanel 34 b is hinged to a second end of bottom wall panel 16 by a foldline 33 b. A seventh end closure panel 36 b is hinged to a second end ofsecond side panel 18 by a fold line 35 b. An eighth end closure panel 38b is hinged to a second end of the outer top wall panel 20 by a foldline 37 b.

The third end closure panel 36 a and the seventh end closure panel 36 beach form a minor side end closure panel. The second end closure panel34 a and the sixth end closure panel 34 b each form a major lower endclosure panel. The fourth end closure panel 38 a along with the firstend closure panel 32 a forms a major upper end closure panel. The eighthend closure panel 38 b along with the fifth end closure panel 32 b alsoforms a major upper end closure panel.

The plurality of main panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 of the second packageform a tubular structure in a set-up condition. Each of the ends of thetubular structure of the second package are at least partially closed byend closure panels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b. Endclosure panels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a are configured to close a firstend of the tubular structure and end panels 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b areconfigured to close a second end of the tubular structure. A first endclosure panel 40 a is hinged to a first end of second or outer top wallpanel 22 by a fold line 39 a. A second end closure panel 42 a is hingedto a first end of second side panel 24 by a fold line 41 a. A third endclosure panel 44 a is hinged to a first end of bottom wall panel 26 by afold line 43 a. A fourth end closure panel 46 a is hinged to a first endof the inner top wall panel 30 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 47 a.

A fifth end closure panel 40 b is hinged to a second end of outer topwall panel 22 by a fold line 39 b. A sixth end closure panel 42 b ishinged to a second end of second side wall panel 24 by a fold line 41 b.A seventh end closure panel 44 b is hinged to a second end of bottompanel 26 by a fold line 43 b. An eighth end closure panel 46 b is hingedto a second end of the inner top wall panel 30 by a pair of arcuate foldlines 47 b.

The outer top panel 20 of the first package is coupled to the outer toppanel 22 of the second package by a frangible line 19. The outer toppanel 20 of the first package and the outer top panel 22 of the secondpackage form a common top wall 20/22 of the carton 90.

The second side wall panel 18 of the first package forms a first outerside wall 18 of the carton 90. The second side wall panel 24 of thesecond package forms a second outer side wall 24 of the carton 90.

The bottom panel 16 of the first package forms a first part 16 of a basewall 16/26 of the carton 90. The bottom panel 26 of the second packageforms a second part 26 of a base wall 16/26 of the carton 90.

The end closure panels 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a of the first package andthe end closure panels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a of the second package forma first end wall of the carton 90.

The end closure panels 32 b, 34 b, 36 b, 38 b of the first package andthe end closure panels 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b of the second package forma second end wall of the carton 90.

The first side wall panel 14 of the first package and the first sidewall panel 28 of the second package form an internal divider structurein the set-up carton 90. The internal divider structure separates afirst row of articles disposed in the first package from a second row ofarticles disposed in the second package.

The blank 10 comprises a pair of handle structures H1, H2. The firsthandle structure H1 is provided in the first package which comprises apair of elongate tabs 60, 62, which are defined in part by a severanceline 64. The severance line 64 extends transversely across the secondside wall panel 18 and into each of the bottom wall panel 16 and theouter top wall panel 20. A first elongate tab 60 is defined in part by afirst fold line 63, which is disposed in a spaced apart parallelrelationship to the severance line 64. A second elongate tab 62 isdefined in part by a second fold line 65 which is disposed in a spacedapart parallel relationship to the severance line 64. The first andsecond fold lines 63, 65 are disposed on opposing sides of the severanceline 64. A first arcuate cutline 61 defines first ends of each of thefirst and second elongate tabs 60, 62. The first arcuate cutline 61extends between a first end of the first fold line 63 and a first end ofthe second fold line 65, across the severance line 64. A second arcuatecutline 67 defines second ends of each of the first and second elongatetabs 60, 62. The second arcuate cutline 67 extends between a second endof the first fold line 63 and a second end of the second fold line 65,across the severance line 64.

The handle structure H comprises a pair of fold lines or crease lines 69a, 69 b at a first end of weakened line of severance 64. The first endof the severance line 64 is disposed in the bottom wall panel 16 andterminates in a “V” shaped cutline wherein each of the arms of the “V”shaped cutline form a vertex, the vertex being disposed at the first endof the severance line 64.

A first crease line 69 a commences from a first end of the V” shapedcutline towards the fold line 15 between the bottom wall panel 16 andthe second side wall panel 18. A second crease line 69 b commences froma second end of the V″ shaped cutline towards the fold line 15 betweenthe bottom wall panel 16 and the second side wall panel 18. The firstand second crease lines 69 a, 69 b together with the “V” shaped cutlineform a “V” shape which converges at the first end of the severance line64.

The handle structure H comprises a second pair of fold lines or creaselines 68 a, 68 b at a second end of weakened line of severance 64. Thesecond end of the severance line 64 is disposed in the outer top wallpanel 20 and terminates in “V” shaped cutline wherein each of the armsof the “V” shaped cutline form a vertex, the vertex being disposed atthe second end of the severance line 64.

A third crease line 68 a commences from a first end of the “V” shapedcutline towards the fold line 17 between the outer top wall panel 20 andthe second side wall panel 18. A crease line 68 b commences from asecond end of the V″ shaped cutline towards the fold line 17 between theouter top wall panel 20 and the second side wall panel 18. The third andfourth crease lines 68 a, 68 b together with the “V” shaped cutline forma “V” shape which converges at the second end of the severance line 64.

The second handle structure H2 is provided in the second package issubstantially the same in construction as the first handle structure H1.

The blank 10 comprises a pair of access devices D1, D2. A first accessdevice D1 is provided in the portion of the blank 10 forming the firstpackage. A second access device D2 is provided in the portion of theblank 10 forming the second package. The first access device D1 issubstantially the same as the second device D2, and the access devicesD1, D2 will be described by reference to the second access device D2.

The second access device D2 is provided for removal of a portion 56 ofthe second side wall panel 28 of the second package. Removal of saidportion 56 facilitates access to the contents of the second package.

The second access device D2 comprises a plurality of weakened lines ofseverance 51, 53, 54 which define at least in part a removable portion56 of the first side wall panel 28. The plurality of weakened lines ofseverance 51, 53, 54 includes: a first weakened line of severance 53which extends from an end edge of the first side wall panel 28 along aportion of the fold line 25 between the bottom panel 26 and the firstside wall panel 28; a second weakened line of severance 54 extends froman end of first weakened line of severance 53 across the first side wall28 from the fold line 25 to the fold line 27 between the first side wallpanel 28 and the inner top wall panel 30; and a third weakened line ofseverance 51 extends from an end of second weakened line of severance 54along a portion of the fold line 27, between the first side wall panel28 and the inner top wall panel 30, to the end edge of the first sidewall panel 28.

The access device D2 comprises an optional tear initiation tab 50defined in part by the second weakened line of severance 54 and in partby a fold line 52. The tear initiation tab 50 is hinged to the removableportion 56 of the first side wall panel 28 by the fold line 52. The tearinitiation tab 50 is detachable from the second package along with theremovable portion 56.

The blank 10 comprises a pair of end pull devices E, see FIGS. 2 to 5.The first package comprises a first end pull device E comprising a firstrecess R1 and a second recess R2. The first recess R1 is struck from afirst side edge of the second end closure panel 34 a. The second recessR2 is struck from a first side edge of the fourth end closure panel 38a. The first recess R1 and the second recess R2 are arranged such thatwhen the blank 10 is assembled into a carton 90 and the fourth endclosure panel 38 a is placed into overlapping relationship with thesecond end closure panel 34 a at least a portion of the first recess R1is disposed in registry with at least a portion of the second recess R2.

Optionally, the second end closure panel 34 a is tapered in shape. Thesecond end closure panel 34 a comprises a second side edge which opposesthe first side edge from which the first recess R1 is struck. The firstside edge is arranged so as to converge towards the second side edge. Inthis way, the free end edge of the second end closure panel 34 a isshorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged tothe base wall panel 16 of the first package.

Optionally, the fourth end closure panel 38 a is tapered in shape. Thefourth end closure panel 38 a comprises a second side edge which opposesthe first side edge from which the second recess R2 is struck. The firstside edge is arranged so as to converge towards the second side edge. Inthis way, the free end edge of the fourth end closure panel 38 a isshorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged tothe outer top wall panel 20 of the first package.

The first side edge of the second end closure panel 34 a is arranged tobe contiguous with the first side edge of the fourth end closure panel38 a in a set-up carton.

In some embodiments the first side edges of the fourth and second endclosure panels 38 a, 34 a are arcuate. In other embodiments it will beappreciated that the first side edges of the fourth and second endclosure panels 38 a, 34 a may be linear. In some of those embodiments inwhich the first side edges of the fourth and second end closure panels38 a, 34 a are linear the first side edges may be substantially parallelto the second side edges and/or substantially parallel to the fold line13 or frangible line 19 respectively; in such embodiments the first sideedge is offset with respect to the fold line 13 or frangible line 19.The fourth and second end closure panels 38 a, 34 a may not be taperedin such embodiments.

The second package comprises a second end pull device E comprising athird recess R3 and a fourth recess R4. The third recess R3 is struckfrom a first side edge of the fifth end closure panel 40 b. The fourthrecess R4 is struck from a first side edge of the seventh end closurepanel 44 b. The third recess R3 and the fourth recess R4 are arrangedsuch that when the blank 10 is assembled into a carton 90 and the fifthend closure panel 40 b is placed into overlapping relationship with theseventh end closure panel 44 b at least a portion of the third recess R3is disposed in registry with at least a portion of the fourth recess R4.

Optionally, the fifth end closure panel 40 b is tapered in shape. Thefifth end closure panel 40 b comprises a second side edge which opposesthe first side edge from which the third recess R3 is struck. The firstside edge is arranged so as to converge towards the second side edge. Inthis way the free end edge of the fifth end closure panel 40 b isshorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged tothe outer top wall panel 22 of the second package.

Optionally, the seventh end closure panel 44 b is tapered in shape. Theseventh end closure panel 44 b comprises a second side edge whichopposes the first side edge from which the fourth recess R4 is struck.The first side edge is arranged so as to converge towards the secondside edge. In this way the free end edge of the seventh end closurepanel 44 b is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge whichis hinged to the base wall panel 26 of the second package.

The first side edge of the second end closure panel 34 a is arranged tobe contiguous with the first side edge of the fourth end closure panel38 a in a set-up carton.

In some embodiments the first side edges of the fifth and seventh endclosure panels 40 b, 44 b are arcuate. In other embodiments it will beappreciated that the first side edges of the fifth and seventh endclosure panels 40 b, 44 b may be linear. In some of those embodiments inwhich the first side edges of the fifth and seventh end closure panels40 b, 44 b are linear the first side edges may be substantially parallelto the second side edges and/or substantially parallel to the fold line25 or frangible line 19 respectively; in such embodiments the first sideedge is offset with respect to the fold line 25 or frangible line 19.The fifth and seventh end closure panels 40 b, 44 b may not be taperedin such embodiments.

In some embodiments the articles being packaged have a substantiallycircular cross section, that is to say the articles are, at least inpart, cylindrical, having a tubular axis which is orientatedsubstantially parallel to the first and second side wall panels 14, 28,18, 24. In these embodiments a void is provided in the corner of thepackage adjacent the end pull device E. The void or gap is providedbetween the endmost article in the package and the end wall and/orbetween the endmost article in the package and the side wall. This voidfacilitates a user inserting a finger or thumb into the package.

The first side wall panel 14 of the first package comprises a free endedge, that is to say there is no end closure panel hinged to the endedges of the first side wall panel 14. The first side wall panel 28 ofthe second package comprises a free end edge, that is to say there is noend closure panel hinged to the end edges of the first side wall panel28. In alternative embodiments the first side wall panel 14 of the firstpackage and the first side wall panel 28 of the second package maycomprise a minor end closure panel hinged to each end edge thereof. Inembodiments comprising a minor end closure panel, the minor end closurepanel may be arranged to facilitate access to the side edge of theadjacent major upper, or lower, end closure panel; for example, but notlimited to, the minor end closure panel may comprise an aperture orrecess; alternatively the minor end closure panel may not extend fullybetween the top wall and the base wall, that is to say the minor endclosure panel may be shorter in height than the side wall to which it ishinged.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 2,3 and 4, it is envisaged that the carton 90 can be formed by a series ofsequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that thecarton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete itsconstruction. The folding process is not limited to that described belowand may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

In order to form the carton 90, in a first stage the blank 10 is foldedto bring the inner top wall panel 12 of the first package into facecontacting relationship with the first side wall panel 14 folding thefirst top wall panel 12 about the fold line 11.

The inner top wall panel 30 of the second package is folded about thefold line 27 to bring the inner top wall panel 30 of the second packageinto face contacting relationship with the first side wall panel 28.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner top wall panel12 of the first package.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner top wall panel30 of the second package.

In alternative embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is appliedto the corresponding portions of each of the outer top wall panels 20,22 of the first and second packages respectively.

The inner top wall panel 12, first side wall panel 14 and the bottompanel 16 of the first package are folded about the fold line 15 suchthat the bottom panel 16 is in overlying relationship with the secondside wall panel 18. This brings the inner top wall panel 12 into facecontacting relationship with the outer top wall panel 20. Pressure maybe applied to the first side panel 14 of the first package to secure theinner top wall panel 12 to the outer top wall panel 20.

The inner top wall panel 30, first side wall panel 28 and the bottompanel 26 of the second package are folded about the fold line 23 suchthat the bottom panel 26 is in overlying relationship with the secondside wall panel 24. This brings the inner top wall panel 30 into facecontacting relationship with the outer top wall panel 22. Pressure maybe applied to the first side panel 28 of the second package to securethe inner top wall panel 30 to the outer top wall panel 22.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first side wall panel14 of the first package and/or to the first side wall panel 28 of thesecond package.

The blank 10 may then be folded about the frangible line 19 to bring thefirst side wall panel 14 of the first package into contactingrelationship with the first side wall panel 28 of the second package.

In an alternative embodiment, the second side panel 24 of the secondpackage may be folded with respect to the outer top wall panel 22 aboutthe fold line 21. Simultaneously the first side wall panel 28 may befolded with respect to inner top wall panel 30 by unfolding the firstside wall panel 28 about the fold line 27. The bottom wall panel 26 maybe folded with respect to the first side wall panel 28 by folding aboutthe fold line 25 to place the bottom wall panel 26 in face contactingrelationship with the first side wall panel 28. Simultaneously, thebottom wall panel 26 is folded with respect to the second side wallpanel 24, by unfolding the bottom wall panel 26 about the fold line 23.In this way the portion of the blank 10 forming the second package isfolded into a flat, collapsed state which overlies the portion of theblank 10 forming the first package which is also in folded, flatcollapsed condition. This provides a carton 90 which is in a flatcollapsed state in which it can be shipped and distributed to aconverter plant. It will be appreciated that this alternative foldingmethod could be readily modified to bring the portion of the blank 10forming the first package into a flat, folded, collapsed state whichoverlies the portion of the blank 10 forming the second package which isalso in a folded, flat collapsed condition. These alternative methodsavoid folding the blank 10 about the frangible line 19 and thus reducethe risk of the first and second packages becoming separated duringassembly and filling of the carton 90.

The carton 90 may be erected into a tubular structure by engaging with apair of adjacent walls of the carton 90 and folding said adjacent wallssuch that they are disposed perpendicularly with respect to each other.

The erected tubular structure is loaded with articles through one orboth open ends of each package. One or more of the end closure panels 32a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, 32 b, 34 b, 36 b, 38 b, 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a, 40b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b may be folded outwardly to act as a funnel tofacilitate insertion of the articles into the carton 90.

Once the articles are loaded into the tubular structure the ends of thetubular structure are closed. A first end of the first package is closedby folding the third end closure panel 36 a about fold line 35 a. Glueor other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of thesecond end closure panel 34 a. In alternative embodiments the glue oradhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of thecorresponding region of the first, second and fourth end closure panels32 a, 34 a, 38 a. The second end closure panel 34 a is then folded aboutthe fold line 33 a and is optionally secured to the third end closurepanel 36 a. Glue or adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface ofthe second end closure panel 34 a. In an alternative embodiment glue oradhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the fourth endclosure panel 38 a and/or to the first end closure panel 32 a. Thefourth end closure panel 38 a is folded about fold line 37 a and broughtinto contact with the second end closure panel 34 a such that part ofthe fourth end closure panel 38 a is in overlapping relationship withpart of the second end closure panel 34 a and is secured and affixedthereto. The first end closure panel 32 a, which is secured to the innersurface of the fourth end closure panel 38 a is folded, about arcuatefold lines 31 a, simultaneously with the fourth end closure panel 38 abeing folded about fold line 37 a.

A second end of the first package is closed by folding the seventh endclosure panel 36 b about fold line 35 b. Glue or other adhesivetreatment may be applied to an outer surface of the seventh end closurepanel 36 b. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatmentmay be applied to an inner surface of the corresponding regions of thefifth, sixth and eighth end closure panels 32 b, 34 b, 38 b. The sixthend closure panel 34 b is folded about the fold line 33 b and optionallysecured to the seventh end closure panel 36 b. Glue or adhesivetreatment is applied to an outer surface of the sixth end closure panel34 b. In an alternative embodiment glue or adhesive treatment is appliedto an inner surface of the eighth end closure panel 38 b and/or thefifth end closure panel 32 b. The eighth end closure panel 38 b isfolded about fold line 37 b and brought into contact with the sixth endclosure panel 34 b such that a portion of the eighth end closure panel38 b is in overlapping relationship with a portion of the sixth endclosure panel 34 b and is secured thereto. The fifth end closure panel32 b, which is secured to the inner surface of the eighth end closurepanel 38 b, is folded, about arcuate fold lines 31 b, simultaneouslywith the eighth end closure panel 38 b being folded about fold line 37b.

A first end of the second package is closed by folding the second endclosure panel 42 a about fold line 41 a. Glue or other adhesivetreatment may be applied to an outer surface of the second end closurepanel 42 a. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatmentmay be applied to an inner surface of the corresponding regions of thefirst, third and fourth end closure panels 40 a, 44 a, 46 a. The thirdend closure panel 44 a is then folded about the fold line 43 a and isoptionally secured to the second end closure panel 42 a. Glue oradhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the third endclosure panel 44 a. In an alternative embodiment glue or adhesivetreatment is applied to an inner surface of the first end closure panel40 a and/or fourth end closure panel 46 a. The first end closure panel40 a is folded about fold line 39 a and brought into contact with thethird end closure panel 44 a such that part of the first end closurepanel 40 a is in overlapping relationship with part of the third endclosure panel 44 a and is secured and affixed thereto. The fourth endclosure panel 46 a, which is secured to the inner surface of the firstend closure panel 40 a is folded about arcuate fold lines 47 a,simultaneously with the first end closure panel 40 a being folded aboutfold line 39a.

A second end of the second package is closed by folding the sixth endclosure panel 42 b about fold line 41 b. Glue or other adhesivetreatment may be applied to an outer surface of the sixth end closurepanel 42 b. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatmentmay be applied to an inner surface of the corresponding regions of thefifth, seventh and eighth end closure panels 40 b, 44 b, 46 b. Theseventh end closure panel 44 b is folded about the fold line 43 b andoptionally secured to the sixth end closure panel 42 b. Glue or adhesivetreatment is applied to an outer surface of the seventh end closurepanel 44 b. In an alternative embodiment glue or adhesive treatment isapplied to an inner surface of the fifth end closure panel 40 b and/orto an inner surface of the eighth end closure panel 46 b. The fifth endclosure panel 40 b is folded about fold line 39 b and brought intocontact with the seventh end closure panel 44 b such that a portion ofthe fifth end closure panel 40 b is in overlapping relationship with aportion of the seventh end closure panel 44 b and is secured thereto.The eighth end closure panel 46 b, which is secured to the inner surfaceof the fifth end closure panel 40 b is folded about arcuate fold lines47 b, simultaneously with the fifth end closure panel 40 b being foldedabout fold line 39 b.

In some embodiments one end of the tubular structure may be closedbefore loading articles through a remaining open end of the tubularstructure.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the assembled carton 90. The third recess R3and the fourth recess R4 are aligned when the fifth end closure panel 40b is placed into overlapping relationship with the seventh end closurepanel 44 b. At least a portion of the third recess R3 is disposed inregistry with at least a portion of the fourth recess R4. The thirdrecess R3 and the fourth recess R4 form an end pull device E which isdisposed substantially centrally within the end wall of the carton 90.As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end pull device E is positionedadjacent to the free end edge of the first side wall panel 28 such thatthe free end edge is exposed to view through the third and fourthrecesses R3 and R4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the first and second packages 91 in a separatedcondition. A retailer has severed the frangible line 19 such that thefirst package is separate to the second package. In those embodiments inwhich the first side wall panel 14 of the first package is glued to thefirst side wall panel 28 of the second package the retailer severs orbreak the glue connection. In some embodiments the first side wall panel14, 28 of the first and/or second package may comprise one or more gluelocations which are surrounded by a half-cut perforation. In this waythe retailer may readily, controllably and neatly tear an outer layer orskin of the substrate forming the first side wall panel 14, 28.

Once the retailer has separated the first package from the secondpackage, the retailer rotates the first package with respect to thesecond package such that the end pull device of each of the first andsecond package face the same direction. In this way when the first andsecond packages are disposed upon a shelf (not shown), or other displayapparatus, both the end pull devices E face the consumer U. In this way,when the consumer U wishes to withdraw one package from the shelf, theymay employ the end pull device E of one of the packages located on theshelf, see FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates the second package 91. It will be appreciated thatonce the first and second packages 91 are separated the dispenser D2becomes accessible to a user.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape. It will be appreciated that the end pull device E of any ofthe embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in a carton which isnot divisible.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”,“upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels tosuch orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels fromone another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. A fold line istypically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Anyreference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construedas necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it isenvisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from any one or more ofthe following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “weakened line of severance” or “frangibleline” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portionsof the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separationlocations. Weakened lines of severance may be frangible or otherwiseweakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines and foldlines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of theblank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of shortslits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, aninterrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and thelike. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide thedesired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can bedimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold lineand/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed tofacilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding andfacilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking withlittle effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to alignment of twoor more elements in an erected carton, such as a recess formed in afirst of two overlapping panels and an aperture formed in a second oftwo overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other maybe aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of theoverlapping panels. For example, when a recess in a first panel is “inregistry with” an aperture in a second panel that is placed in anoverlapping arrangement with the first panel, and an edge of the recessmay extend along at least a portion of an edge of the aperture and maybe aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and secondpanels, with the aperture.

1. A carton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of wallsincluding a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wallforming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubularstructure being at least partially closed by one or more end closurepanels, wherein the carton comprises an end pull device for withdrawingthe carton from a display apparatus wherein the end pull devicecomprises a first recess struck from a side edge of the one or more endclosure panels so that access to the one or more end disclosure panelsis facilitated.
 2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the one or moreend closure panels comprises a first end closure panel, and the firstrecess is stuck from the side edge of the first end closure panel.
 3. Acarton according to claim 2 wherein the one or more end closure panelsfurther comprises a second end closure panel, and the end pull devicefurther comprises a second recess struck from a side edge of the secondend closure panel.
 4. A carton according to claim 3 wherein the secondend closure panel is disposed in at least partial overlappingrelationship with the first end closure panel.
 5. A carton according toclaim 4 wherein the first recess is disposed in at least partialoverlapping relationship with the second recess so as to be in registrytherewith.
 6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein one of the first orsecond side wall panels comprises a free end edge which is connected tono other part of the carton and wherein the first recess is locatedadjacent to the free end edge such that the free end edge is exposed toview through the first recess.
 7. A carton according to claim 1comprising a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall,first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure,each end of the second tubular structure being at least partially closedby one or more end closure panels, wherein the carton comprises a secondend pull device for withdrawing the carton from a display apparatuswherein the second end pull device comprises a second recess struck froma side edge of the one or more end closure panels of the second tubularstructure so that access to the one or more end closure panels of thesecond tubular structure is facilitated.
 8. A carton according to claim7 wherein the top wall of the second tubular structure is coupled to thetop wall of the first tubular structure by a frangible connection,wherein the first tubular structure forms part of a first package andthe second tubular structure forms part of a second package, and whereinthe first package is detachable from the second package.
 9. A cartonaccording to claim 7 wherein the first end pull device is disposed at afirst end of the carton and the second end pull device is disposed atsecond end of the carton, the second end opposing the first end.
 10. Acarton according to claim 8 wherein the second side wall panel of thefirst package and the second side wall panel of the second package aredisposed in face contacting relationship with each other to form aninternal divider structure between two adjacent rows of articles to bereceived in the carton.
 11. A carton according to claim 10 wherein thesecond side wall panel of the first package and the second side wallpanel of the second package are secured to each other by glue or otheradhesive treatment.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A carton for packaging articlescomprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall,first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure,each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closedby one or more end closure panels to form a first package, wherein thecarton further comprises a first end pull device for withdrawing thefirst package from a display apparatus wherein the first end pull devicecomprises a first recess struck from a side edge of the one or more endclosure panels of the first tubular structure so as to facilitate accessto the one or more end closure panels of the first tubular structure,the carton further comprising a second plurality of walls including atop wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming asecond tubular structure, each end of the second tubular structure beingat least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form asecond package, wherein the carton further comprises a second end pulldevice for withdrawing the second package from a display apparatus andwherein the second end pull device comprises a second recess struck froma side edge of the one or more end closure panels of the second tubularstructure so as to facilitate access to the one or more end closurepanels of the second tubular structure and wherein the first package isfrangibly connected to the second package.
 14. A carton according toclaim 13 wherein the one or more end closure panels of the first tubularstructure comprises first and second end closure panels, and wherein thefirst recess is struck from the first end closure panel, the first endpull device further comprises a third recess struck from a side edge ofthe second end closure panel of the first tubular structure.
 15. Acarton according to claim 14 wherein the second end closure panel of thefirst tubular structure is disposed in at least partial overlappingrelationship with the first end closure panel of the first tubularstructure.
 16. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the third recessis disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the firstrecess of the first end closure panel of the first tubular structure soas to be in registry therewith.
 17. A carton according to claim 13wherein the one or more end closure panels of the second tubularstructure comprises first and second end closure panels, and wherein thesecond recess is struck from the first end closure panel of the secondtubular structure, the second end pull device further comprises a fourthrecess struck from a side edge of the second end closure panel of thesecond tubular structure.
 18. A carton according to claim 17 wherein thesecond end closure panel of the second tubular structure is disposed inat least partial overlapping relationship with the first end closurepanel of the second tubular structure.
 19. A carton according to claim18 wherein the fourth recess is disposed in at least partial overlappingrelationship with the second recess so as to be in registry therewith.20. A carton according to claim 14 wherein the first end pull device isdisposed at a first end of the carton and the second end pull device isdisposed at second end of the carton, the second end opposing the firstend.
 21. A blank for forming a carton comprising a first plurality ofpanels for forming a first tubular structure including a top wall, basewall, first side wall and second side wall in a set-up condition, theblank comprising one or more end closure panels for at least partiallyclosing each end of the first tubular structure to form a first package,wherein the blank comprises a first end pull device for withdrawing thefirst package when in a set-up condition from a display apparatuswherein the first end pull device comprises a first recess struck from aside edge of the one or more end closure panels of the first tubularstructure for facilitating access to the one or more end closure panelsof the first tubular structure, the blank further comprising a secondplurality of panels for forming a second tubular structure including atop wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall in a set-upcondition, the blank comprising one or more end closure panels for atleast partially closing each end of the second tubular structure to forma second package, wherein the blank comprises a second end pull devicefor withdrawing the second package when in a set-up condition from thedisplay apparatus and wherein the second end pull device comprises asecond recess struck from a side edge of the one or more end closurepanels of the second tubular structure so as to facilitate access to theone or more end closure panels of the second tubular structure, andwherein the first plurality of panels are frangibly connected to thesecond plurality of panels.